I’m sitting in Africa right now at an internet café. I’ve been here for a few hours but have been in this back and forth struggle of finding the words. So, if you don’t mind this will probably be a jumbled mess, a strand of different thoughts and ramblings in an effort to communicate my heart.
First off, this has been a crazy month of travel. I've spent 4.5 out of the last 25 days on a crazy African bus! We were able to visit teams that were scattered through out Tanzania in Morogoro, Iringa and Mwanza. Each of the teams were partnered with local churches doing ministires such as leading church services, giving testimonies, prayer meetings, bible studies and sharing the gospel with the locals. I have absolutley loved being in Africa. This place and the people do something to me! The way they worship, maintain a heart of joy and a smile on their face is unlike anything I have ever seen. It both stirs and challenges me.
In this, I have also experienced struggle. I find myself pondering and wrestling truth and the pains of this world. I close my eyes and try and focus. But all I can see is the little girl on the bus who just needed a drink of water, the woman who desperately wants the pain in her ear to stop, the Massai warrior who claims to know God but knows nothing about the heart of the Father, the teenager who feels guilty for his parent’s split, the beggar who is trapped in a cycle, the family who lives in a sleeping bag outside the bus station, the children who play in dirt and trash, the husband who is mourning the loss of his wife and the pastor who fights persecution. These roll arond in my mind and try to sufrace through feelings of sorrow and hoplessness.
But the more and more I process- the more and more I see that through pain, sorrow, suffering, questions, doubt, fear and weakness creates an even greater enviroment for the Lord to show. That in hard times, His glory shines the most. Pain and sorrow bring joy and peace. Anger and unforgivenss brings mercy and grace. Death and suffering brings life and restoration. The rollarcoaster of emotions I've been on has brought a deeper revelation of who God is and His mercy. I am continually realizing that I can do nothing apart from Him.
Today has just been one of those days. When I stop and contemplate, I am in awe and left in a place that shocks my arrogance, shatters my pride and leaves me in a puddle of gratitude. The road is one of lower still and humility. Thank you Jesus, for when I am weak, You are strong.
pictures were taken by one of my squadmates…Bri.
check out her blog. briannadanese.theworldrace.org.
she is an awesome woman of God and captures ridiculous photos.
